Gay Teammate Would Be ’Difficult’ for a Detroit Tiger to Accept

A right fielder for the Detroit Tigers made headlines this week after telling a reporter with the Los Angeles Times that an openly gay teammate would make things "difficult" and would make him "uncomfortable."

"For me, as a Christian...I will be uncomfortable because in all my teachings and all my learning, biblically, it’s not right," Torii Hunter told the reporter, Kevin Baxter. "It will be difficult and uncomfortable."

Soon after the controversial remarks made their way around the Internet, the former Los Angeles outfielder took to Twitter to respond to the criticisms he’s received -- and to backtrack.

"I’m very disappointed in Kevin Baxter’s article in which my quotes and feelings have been misrepresented," the baseball player wrote. "He took two completely separate quotes and made them into one quote that does not express how I feel as a Christian or a human being.

"I have love and respect for all human beings regardless of race, color or sexual orientation," he continued. "I am not perfect and try hard to live the best life I can and treat all people with respect. If you know me you know that I am not anti anything and to be portrayed as anti-gay in this article is hurtful and just not true."

Hunter, 37, is a four-time All-Star and has played in the major leagues since 1997. This isn’t the first time the baseball player made what could be perceived as insensitive comments. In a 2010 interview with USA Today, he said Latino baseball players are " impostors" when talking about demographics in baseball.

"People see dark faces out there, and the perception is that they’re African-American. They’re not us. They’re impostors," he said. He went on to note, "As African-American players, we have a theory that baseball can go get an imitator and pass them off as us...It’s like, ’Why should I get this kid from the South Side of Chicago and have Scott Boras represent him and pay him $5 million when you can get a Dominican guy for a bag of chips?’"

Hunter’s comments once might have been common. But these days, they seem more and more out of line with other pro athletes. More and more sports stars have been vocal about their support for the LGBT community and out players.

Comments

Blondie , 2013-01-03 10:55:26

"Bag of chips??" In my humble opinion, that is a racist comment. And IMHO, those statements about Gay ppl coming out in sports are homophobic comments.Nice moonwalk he’s doing, though. :-/

Anonymous, 2013-01-03 11:12:29

I don’t think this black man should be allowed to play baseball because I am offended by his skin color.

Michelle Longtin, 2013-01-03 15:19:16

I am very disappointed in Torii Hunter. He started his career here in Minnesota and was a fan favorite for many years. Now he’s showing his true colors not only towards gays in sports but people of a different ethnic background as well. Of course he is now back tracking. Give it up Torii, it’s too late...

BOB KELLERMAN, 2013-01-03 21:40:40

Only my oppression counts only my hurt counts only my decision whether I’m being offensive counts that knocked that knocked up 4 different women counts

Parker , 2013-01-04 00:40:02

Yeah he talked around his comment but didn’t fully address it. Maybe he should be in politics instead ;-P

Anonymous, 2013-01-05 09:42:14

As I recall, Tori Hunter also made similar comments about gays while he played in MN in the Twins organization. Of course he is entitled to his own religious beliefs and personal opinions, but he is an employee of Major League Baseball. As the league moves toward full inclusion of gay players, Tori can decide if he wants to continue making a living playing baseball. If not, he can do something else. The irony is that as someone that benefited from inclusion (through racial integration) wants to exclude others because of sexual orientation...

Anonymous, 2013-01-05 13:32:18

The bible renounces divorce and infidelity 77 times compared to 4 vague references to homosexuality, yet he’s comfortable with players that have committed those sins. Straight men that are uncomfortable with gays are uncomfortable with their own sexuality, and only certain straight men have this problem

BOB KELLERMAN, 2013-01-06 02:15:25

GAYS HATE TO SHOWER NEXT TO TRASH WHO FATHER 4 KIDS BY 4 WOMEN

Anonymous, 2013-01-06 15:00:33

Someone is hiding In the closet

Chase C., 2013-01-06 15:43:49

I think it’s unfair to claim that all who are against homosexuality are secretly gay themselves. Maybe he’s homophobic and I’m glad this was brought up and not swept under the mat. But he just has a problem with things thatare different than him,a trait that most people have. He just needs to articulate his beliefs more carefully and thoughtfully.

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